Watch Blood On The Flat Track: The Rise of the Rat City Rollergirls

Blood On The Flat Track: The Rise of the Rat City Rollergirls is a 2007 documentary film giving an inside look at the fast-paced, high-octane sport of roller derby. The film documents the journey of a group of avid Seattle roller skaters who formed the Rat City Rollergirls, a team dedicated to the rough-and-tumble game of roller derby.

The film features interviews with members of the Rat City Rollergirls, from seasoned veterans to fresh recruits. Viewers witness the rigorous training regimen and grueling matches as the colorful cast of characters fight to make a name for themselves in the world of roller derby. The documentary perfectly captures the spirit of roller derby, with its mix of athleticism, drama, and flair.

At the heart of the film is the Rat City Rollergirls' struggle for recognition. Roller derby had been a largely forgotten sport, relegated to the fringes of society for decades before the team's formation. But the Rollergirls had a vision, a dream of rebuilding roller derby from the ground up and making it a popular sport once again. The film shows how the team, starting from nothing, quickly rose to regional prominence, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the Pacific Northwest roller derby scene.

The film also touches on the personal lives of some of the players, providing a glimpse into why they became involved with roller derby in the first place. Some of the athletes had been looking for a way to channel their aggression in a positive way, while others were drawn to the sport because of its feminist roots. Through these personal stories, the film illustrates how roller derby has become much more than just a sport – it has become a movement, empowering women and providing a platform for them to express themselves in a unique and powerful way.

One of the standout moments of the film was the intense match between the Rat City Rollergirls and their arch-rivals, the Jet City Rollergirls. The two teams clashed in a high-stakes roller derby bout that had both teams fighting tooth and nail until the very end. The documentary captures the raw energy and excitement of the match, with frenzied crowds cheering on their favorite team as the Rollergirls duked it out on the flat track.

The documentary also touches on some of the controversies that have surrounded roller derby over the years. For example, the film explores the perception of roller derby as a violent, dangerous sport, and how that has affected the sport's popularity. It also delves into the issue of sexism in the sport, with some players fighting against the notion that it is simply a "sexy" pastime for women.

Blood On The Flat Track is an incredibly engaging and entertaining documentary that has something for everyone. Whether you're a die-hard roller derby fan or are simply curious about the sport, this film provides an in-depth look at what makes roller derby so special. The documentary is expertly crafted, with stunning visuals and a powerful soundtrack that perfectly captures the intensity and excitement of the sport.

Ultimately, Blood On The Flat Track: The Rise of the Rat City Rollergirls is a must-see documentary for anyone interested in the world of roller derby. It's a film that celebrates the athleticism, grit, and passion of these incredible athletes, while also shedding light on the many challenges and obstacles they face. It's a story of perseverance, of pushing boundaries, and of never giving up on your dreams – no matter how impossible they may seem.

Blood On The Flat Track: The Rise of the Rat City Rollergirls is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.